The mod couple: Dr. Boris Thomas is looking for participants for a study entitled 'In His Own Words: Understanding Longevity of Committed Gay Relationships and the Gay Man.' This study is distinct because 1 ) it focuses on men who are 40 years of age or older; and 2 ) it looks not only at couples who have been together for a long period of time ( 10 years or more ) , but it also looks at ex-couples, who have been together ( for at least a year ) , but have split apart. See www.gaycouplestudy.com or e-mail boristhomas@your-aspirations.com .
I'm a survivor: Blackgurl Press is seeking stories from domestic-violence survivors for an anthology called 'Battered, Not Beaten.' Stories should be no longer than 1,500 words; those whose works are selected will receive two copies of the book as well as $100. The deadline is Aug. 31. Call 312-330-5506 or e-mail blackgurlpress@aol.com .
Let's talk about sex: Project CRYSP—which is geared toward prevention of crystal meth use—has launched an online survey for Chicago gay and bi men, covering questions around sexual health and drug use. See lifelube.blogspot.com/2007/07/men-of-chicago-tell-us-about-your-sex.html .
A little infrastructure in our lives: The Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan, will present a new exhibit, 'Me, Myself and Infrastructure,' on Thurs., Aug. 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Call 312-922-3432 or see www.architecture.org .
Testify: 'Celebrating Catholic Feminist Ministries: A Women-Church Forum' will take place Fri.-Sun., Aug. 17-19, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, 9300 W. Bryn Mawr, Rosemont. See www.women-churchconvergence.org or call 703-671-1972.
Party time: The Windy City Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf ( WCRAD ) will celebrate the opening of its Center on Halsted office with a party at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, on Sat., Aug. 18, 8-11 p.m. General admission is $15, and cover for WCRAD members and Center staff is $12. E-mail chris@livingtolaugh.org .
Contemporary art: The Public Square at the IHC and the National Museum of Mexican Art will co-host a special afternoon of 'Women Artists of Modern Mexico: Frida's Contemporaries' at the museum, 1852 W. 19th, on Sat., Aug. 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended to this free event; e-mail events@thepublicsquare.org or call 312-422-5580.
Life's a beach: The Association of Latino Men for Action ( ALMA ) will hold its annual picnic on Sun., Aug. 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Hollywood Beach. The fee is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Contact Carlos Castillon at 773-574-4157.
Gender love: The Chicago Gender Society Picnic will take place Sun., Aug. 19, at 385 E. Irving Park, Streamwood, at noon. See www.ChicagoGender.com .
Laughter-glow: The improv comedy troupe GayCo will hold performances at Center on Halsted's Hoover-Leppen Theater, 3656 N. Halsted, on Mondays this month ( Aug. 20 and 27 ) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each. See www.GayCo.com or call 312-458-9400.
Surely, temple: Oak Park Temple, 1235 N. Harlem, Oak Park, will welcome prospective members at a special Shabbat Barbecue at 6 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 24. Dinner will be followed by Shabbat services. Call 708-386-3937.
Opera's on: Jason McVicker will host 'Night at the Opera: Opera Appreciation' at Fri., Aug. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted. Call 773-772-8870.
